The Books of Moses
The LORD is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He by no means clears the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation. Numbers 14:18
The reason for the title “Numbers” is because of the censuses that are taken of Israel’s fighting men both at the beginning and the end of the book. The LORD commanded these counts in order to strengthen the people for their conquering march through the Promised Land. Based on the census, Israel numbered approximately two and a half million people, which demonstrated the miraculous care of the LORD as He provided for them all in the wilderness.
The numbering of the people makes up only a small part of the book. The book was more fittingly referred to as “In the wilderness” by the Jews. This is a much more descriptive title for the book since these chapters cover the 40 year history of Israel in the wilderness. This wandering was the result of Israel’s lack of trust in the LORD to deliver the Promised Land into their hand. Because of this, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years (14:34). This wandering reveals the purpose for the book. It shows the longsuffering nature of the LORD, the need to rest on His love and to focus on His promise in the coming Christ. In addition, Israel’s faithlessness is contrasted with the LORD’s faithfulness and His continued grace and mercy in sustaining the entire nation.
The Apostle Paul tells us that this history is also for us (1 Corinthians 10:1-13). We too are to trust that the LORD will see us through as we journey in the wilderness of this sinful world on our way to the Promised Land of eternal life.
Lord, forgive our sin and protect and lead us in this life because of your faithfulness. Amen.
LORD, dismiss us with Your blessing; fill our hearts with joy and peace.
Let us each, Your love possessing, triumph in redeeming grace.
O refresh us, O refresh us, trav’ling through this wilderness.
The Lutheran Hymnal 50:1 (adapted)